Robert Hileman Obituary

Pawleys Island, SC - Robert L. Hileman, 94, passed peacefully September 28, 2021 with his devoted children, Faith and Tim, by his side. Bob was the son of the late Bert and Mary Hileman. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 58 years, Leora and three brothers; Floyd (WWII), George (WWII) and younger brother, Mel, (Pawleys Island).

He is survived by his son, Tim (Laurie) of Charlotte, NC and daughter, Faith (Joseph) Barnes of Smithfield, VA; his grandchildren, Kelly (Jon), Brooke, Joseph IV (fiancé Ruth), Robert and his great-granddaughter, Addison, who provided much joy in his last year. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Elizabeth and niece, Victoria and nephews, Scott and Craig Bass.

While growing up during the Depression, his family moved 14 times before settling in Washington, DC. He was a graduate of Anacostia High School, American Institute of Banking and the Stonier School of Banking at Rutgers University. Upon graduation from high school, he enlisted in the US Army Air Corp as an Aviation Cadet and later served as a Military Police Officer in Allied-occupied Germany as part of the 55th Fighter Group, P-51 Squadron, advancing to rank of Corporal. Following his honorable discharge, he began his 37-year career with Washington Loan & Trust which later merged with Riggs National Bank. At the time of his retirement, he served on the Board of Directors and was Senior Vice President/Executive Officer of the Metropolitan Division (Retail Banking).

Providing a wonderful example to his family, he lived his life in service to the Lord and others. He was a Master Mason in the Fraternal Order of Freemasons. He served as treasurer and board member of the DC Chapter of the American Cancer Society and on the board of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Field Hockey Association. While raising his family, he was an active member of Rockville Presbyterian Church serving as a Deacon, Elder, Treasurer and Committee Chair. He was a founding member and Chairman of the Membership Committee for Montgomery Square Swim Club.

Bob and Leora married in 1953 and raised their family in suburban Maryland. In 1985, they retired to Pawleys Island, SC where they enjoyed 26 years of retirement together. In addition to providing support to Leora's volunteer endeavors, he was a member and avid supporter of the VFW and American Legion. He spent many hours selflessly providing his consummate handyman skills to family and neighbors in need. He was a member of Pawleys Island Presbyterian Church and a volunteer with the Bread of Life program.

His many passions included aviation (obtaining his pilot's license at age 16), golf, bridge with his wife, fishing with his son, traveling with his daughter's family, woodworking and tackling complex DIY projects. He was a life-long learner, devoted Bible reader, Christian and Patriot. In his eighties, he embraced technology, taking computer classes and learning to text his family, being a particularly gifted user of Emojis.

He will be remembered most for his love of family, generous spirit, honor and integrity, sense of humor, infectious laugh, strength of heart, optimism and unassuming manner. He had a beautiful smile and a twinkle in his eye. He will be dearly missed and forever loved.

In his final years, he faced health challenges with dignity and grace. The family would like to thank his many caregivers and kind neighbors for their compassionate, committed and expert care during this time.

In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for donations in memory of Bob to Pawleys Island Presbyterian Church, 9967 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island, SC 29585; or the American Cancer Society.

To sign an online guestbook, please visit www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com.

Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel is serving the family.